APUSH Test Day Checklist: What to Do & Bring for the AP U.S. History Exam

PART 1 • NIGHT BEFORE

Night-before checklist

Light preparation only:

• Skim notes or unit guide
• Analyze 1-2 DBQ/LEQ prompts (no writing)
• Review pacing plan

Pack the night before:

• Admission ticket + ID
• #2 pencils & erasers
• Pens (if allowed)
• Watch (if allowed)
• Water + snack
• Hoodie/layers for room temp

Avoid:

• All-nighter
• Last-minute unit learning
• Exam panic group chats

PART 2 • THE MORNING

Morning of the exam

• Eat light breakfast — protein + carbs
• Arrive 30+ minutes early
• Skim notes only
• Recall timing plan

Mental reset:

• 3 deep breaths — calm start
• Trust practice + calculator scores

PART 3 • SECTION I — MCQ & SAQ

During MCQ + SAQ

MCQ (55 min):

• Use pacing chunks (15/15/15/10)
• Mark maybes → move on
• Read stem twice before choices

SAQ (40 min):

• Answer A/B/C clearly
• Evidence → explain → conclude
• Never leave blank

PART 4 • SECTION II — DBQ & LEQ

DBQ + LEQ strategy

DBQ (60 min)

• Plan 10–15 mins first
• Clear thesis answering prompt
• Use 6+ documents
• Add outside evidence
• Sourcing HIPP for 2–3 docs

LEQ (40 min)

• Pick prompt + outline first
• Thesis = topic + timeframe + 2–3 categories
• Try small complexity move

PART 5 • AFTER (PRACTICE RUNS)

Use during practice too

• Simulate real exam monthly
• No phone during test
• Score MCQ/SAQ/DBQ/LEQ
• Enter scores in calculator
• Fix patterns using mistakes guide

Pair with these pages:

• Tips for Getting a 5
• Time Management
• Common Mistakes
• Resources & Practice Tests